What is hantavirus, the infection that killed Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa?

By Carla K. Johnson

Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from a hantavirus infection, officials in New Mexico announced on Friday.

Hantavirus, found worldwide, is spread through contact with rodents or their urine or feces. It does not transmit between people. There is no specific treatment or cure, but prompt medical attention can improve survival chances.

An infection can quickly progress and become life-threatening.

“It typically starts like the flu: body aches, overall feeling unwell,” said Dr. Sonja Bartolome of UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. “Early on, it can be challenging to differentiate between hantavirus and the flu.”

The virus can lead to a severe and sometimes fatal lung infection known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, as per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency began monitoring the virus after a 1993 outbreak in the Four Corners region, where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet.

An astute physician with the Indian Health Service first noticed a series of deaths among young patients, prompting the CDC’s involvement to identify common factors.

Most U.S. cases since then have been in western states, particularly the southwest. Between 1993 and 2022, there were 864 reported U.S. cases. New Mexico reported the highest number during that period at 122, followed by Colorado at 119.

In 2023, seven cases were confirmed, followed by another seven in 2024, according to the New Mexico Department of Health. The state reported 52 deaths between 1975 and 2023.

The CDC has offered to conduct tests on samples related to Arakawa’s case to understand more about the virus strain and perform pathology testing.

Symptoms appear one to eight weeks after exposure and may initially include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. As the disease progresses, symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness occur as the lungs fill with fluid. About one-third of individuals who develop respiratory symptoms from the disease may die, according to the CDC.

Despite years of research, many questions remain unanswered, such as why the severity varies among individuals and how antibodies develop. Researchers are monitoring patients over extended periods in hopes of finding a treatment.

“There are still many mysteries,” said Harkins, noting that mouse exposure is a significant factor.

The best way to prevent the infection is to minimize contact with rodents and their droppings. Use protective gloves and a bleach solution for cleaning up rodent droppings. Health experts advise against sweeping or vacuuming, as it can release the virus into the air.

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